RE: [infoguys-list] RE: Pre-Paid Legal -- My .02

Gilbert is right on! I have read and evaluated the many posts and it is beyond time to move onto other issues. Most of the posts have been detailed and

Message 1 of 7
, Apr 5, 2005

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Gilbert is right on! I have read and evaluated the many posts and it is
beyond time to move onto other issues. Most of the posts have been detailed
and informative yet the personalities are taking over. Ave those posts for
direct contact so that the group can continue to learn and network aside
from the fray.

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I find it amazing how much time has actually been spent discussing the same
topic of PPL. I have read through the pros and cons. I suppose one can
argue effectively for either. Eventually though, it becomes opointless to
keep arguing the same points. If you are for, more power to you, if you are
against it so be it. I just do not understand why after so any postings it
is still being debated. I am sure in some instances it may very well be
beneficial to some and others it is a waste of time. Either way, let's move
on already.

It sure sounds like you didn't get a good explanation of the plan. It's
also too bad that no one used it for what it does do. No one had a Will
drawn, a contract reviewed, a letter of phone call on their behalf, etc? As
I've said, it's heavily on the preventive side. It does cover a number of
hours if YOU ARE SUED IN CIVIL COURT. It is defensive. It does not cover
hours if you want to bring suit. They will advise you, write a letter, etc.
but not represent at no cost you in a civil suit that you bring. They do
not want to be in the position of siging up a bunch of people who then
proceed to file one frivolous suit after another. It would be foolhardy and
irresponsible.

They also do not cover most criminal, drug or alchohol related matters.
They do not want to have a bunch of gangsters sign up and proceed to raise
heck, knowing that they have free legal help to get them off. They DO cover
work related criminal, which is most of what a PI will need. They also
cover from start to finish all non alchohol related accidental deaths by
vehicle. We recently had a cop who was driving home from a long shift, hit
someone and killed them. The case went for months, and all was covered.

PPL is a very conservative and responsible group. They are absolutely anal
about doing things legally and correctly. They do not want to encourage
more frivolous lawsuits or cirme, so they took care to exclude those areas
of coverage that they thought could be abused. It's true that it doesn't
cover everything, but there is a very good reason for that, I think. It
does cover a whole heck of a lot for a measly $26 a month for a couple and
their kids. If you do the Will alone you've saved money. I can show you
mountains of success stories, some of them mine. My PPL attorneys have
saved me a ton of money and time.

The company was started by a man who sold insurance. He was in an accident
in which someone died. Even though the other driver was cited at the scene,
they sued him in civil court, and it cost him everything he had to defend
himself. He had medical and auto insurance, but they don't cover this sort
of case. He decided to fill in that gap. Similar plans have been popular
for years in parts of Europe. Being an Insurance man, he adapted it and
brought it here. No one should ever say that it does everything, it does
not, but it does do an excellent job of keeping people out of legal trouble
and helping them out of a jam here and there. It is not designed for
criminals or to encourage litigation. Your members should have used the
plan for what it was designed. I'm very sorry that whomever explained the
plan did not apparently make it clear, although the member packages you all
received should have handled that.

So in the examples you relate:

1) "Our officer requested representation through PPL. She wanted to sue
the motel. PPL offered only a pittance of a percentage discount on an
attorney of PPL's choice and they would write a letter to the motel. "

That's correct, PPL does not represent you in a civil suit that you bring.
They do offer a 25% discount off the normal rates for anything that's not
otherwise covered, criminal, etc. included. They do advise you on how to
handle it, and will write one letter per matter, in this instance demanding
restitution. Additional letters and calls are available inexpensively.
I've had them write letters for me, and all have gotten results.

2) "She was denied representation for the disciplinary action - she was off
duty and alcohol was involved. "

That's correct. The exclusions include drugs and alchohol, and on this plan
(Law Officers) administrative discipline for off-duty occurrances.

3) "disciplinary action is not covered"

Actually, I don't see that exact exclusion. I'd need to know more about
this instance. The main exclusion clause that applies in your instances is
this:

"Administrative and Termination Hearing Representation: Not covered under
this benefit are hearings and investigations or inquiries which result from
any alcohol or drug-related matter or allegation involving the use of
chemicals. Also not covered are hearings resulting from matters arising
other than from the direct performance of job responsibilities while on
active duty, such as reduction in force or any other termination or
separation from service unrelated to job performance. Pre-existing
conditions are not covered. "

This plan offers, unlimited telephone access to your Provider Law Firm for
personal and business advice when you enroll. Call the toll-free number
during business hours when you have a non-emergency legal problem or
question.

Phone Calls and Letters...

A phone call or letter from your Provider Lawyer can get you the results you
want fast. Your Provider Lawyer will recommend a letter or phone call when
that is the best step for you. One call or letter per personal subject
related matter is free with your membership. Plus, you'll receive two
business letters each year at no additional cost! Additional assistance for
same subject at 25% discount.

Contract and Document Review...

You can have an unlimited number of personal legal documents, up to ten
pages each, reviewed by your Provider Lawyer. Included each year is one
business document review at no additional cost! Your Provider Lawyer will
analyze the documents and suggest changes for your benefit before you sign.

Wills for You and Your Family...

A Will for you at no additional charge, not just a "simple" Will, but one
that meets most Americans' needs - with free yearly reviews and updates.
Wills for covered family members are just $20 each; changes and updates $20.
Trust preparation is available at a 25% discount.

* Additional Information & Exclusions

Administrative and Termination Hearing Representation
Up to 10 hours of legal consultation, advice and representation for 2
administrative inquiries or investigations per membership year; up to 5
hours of assistance per occurrence.

Advice, counsel, and representation by your Provider Lawyer for one
pre-termination hearing each membership year -- at no additional cost.

24 hour Toll-free telephone access to your provider lawyer in the event of
an emergency arising from your direct employment responsibilities while on
active duty as a law enforcement officer.

Your Provider Lawyer will also help with post-termination hearings (before a
review board or arbitrator) as described below. (Additional preparation time
is covered under your 25% discount.)

1st member year: 60 hours of actual hearing time at no added charge
including 2.5 hours of pre-hearing assistance, counsel.

2nd year renewal: 120 hours of actual hearing time at no added charge
including 3 hours of pre-hearing assistance, counsel.

3rd year renewal: 180 hours of actual hearing time at no added charge
including 3.5 hours of pre-hearing assistance, counsel.

4th year renewal: 240 hours of actual hearing time at no added charge
including 4 hours of pre-hearing assistance, counsel.

5th year renewal: 300 hours of actual hearing time at no added charge
including 4.5 hours of pre-hearing assistance, counsel.

* Additional Information & Exclusions

Trial Defense Services
You and your spouse also have coverage for representation by your Provider
Lawyer if either of you are named defendant or respondent in a covered civil
or job-related criminal action filed in court. Hours available for
representation increase each membership year.

1st member year:
75 hours of actual trial time at no additional charge including 17.5 hours
of pre-trial time.

2nd year renewal:
140 hours of actual trial time at no additional charge including 23 hours of
pre-trial time.

3rd year renewal:
205 hours of actual trial time at no additional charge including 28.5 hours
of pre-trial time.

4th year renewal:
270 hours of actual trial time at no additional charge including 34 hours of
pre-trial time.

5th year renewal:
335 hours of actual trial time at no additional charge including 39.5 hours
of pre-trial time.

* Additional Information & Exclusions

Motor Vehicle Related Services
It's your worst nightmare - a tragic accident resulting in loss of life,
especially in the line of duty. If you are driving a vehicle, with the
express consent and permission of the owner of the vehicle, and you are
involved in an accident that results in your being criminally charged with
manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, negligent homicide, or vehicular
homicide, you will be entitled to defense of the charge by your provider
lawyer in the court of original jurisdiction.

* Additional Information & Exclusions

IRS Audit Legal Services
Pre-Paid Legal takes the bite out of an IRS audit with up to 50 hours of
professional services for either you, your spouse, or your dependent
children when notified in writing of an IRS audit, or requested to appear at
the IRS about your tax return.
Your 50 hours break down to:

One hour for consultation, advice, assistance when notified of an audit.

2.5 hours at no added charge if settlement is not reached in 30 days.
Available for representation, negotiations, conferences, telephone
conversations, and settlement conferences prior to litigation.

46.5 hours at no added charge if settlement is not reached without
litigation and the IRS sues you, or you pay the disputed tax, and sue the
IRS.

Coverage begins with the return due on April 15 of the year your membership
is effective. Services under this benefit available through your Provider
Lawyer.

* Additional Information & Exclusions

Other Legal Services
Your Provider Lawyer will render assistance at a 25% reduction to his or her
standard or corporate hourly rate for you or your spouse should you need
legal assistance or litigation services not otherwise covered by this
membership. Your Provider Lawyer must have five days notice prior to court
representation. Telephone advice is available immediately.

* Additional Information & Exclusions

Additional Information & Exclusions:

Due to regulatory requirements, benefits and rates vary in certain states
and provinces. The information contained on this material is for
illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide
a general overview of plan coverage; only a plan contract can give actual
terms, coverage, amounts, conditions and exclusions.

Will Preparation: Trust preparation is available at a 25% discount. A
standard Will with yearly updates provided for the primary member at no
additional cost. Covered family members can also have their Will prepared
for $20 each, with yearly updates for only $20.

Administrative and Termination Hearing Representation: Not covered under
this benefit are hearings and investigations or inquiries which result from
any alcohol or drug-related matter or allegation involving the use of
chemicals. Also not covered are hearings resulting from matters arising
other than from the direct performance of job responsibilities while on
active duty, such as reduction in force or any other termination or
separation from service unrelated to job performance. Pre-existing
conditions are not covered.

Trial Defense Services: This coverage applies only to the named member and
spouse. Divorce, separation, annulment, child custody or other
divorce-related matters, bankruptcy, charges of DUI/DWI, drug-related
matters (whether prescribed or not), hit and run, leaving the scene of an
accident and civil or criminal charges occurring as a result of operating a
commercial vehicles with more than two axles are not covered under this
benefit, but are covered by the preferred member discount. Additional
exclusions under this benefit: Being named in a civil lawsuit or having
criminal charged filed against you because you are listed as an owner,
management or associate of the business and you had no direct involvement
with the act or matter that gave rise to the lawsuit or criminal charge.
Those charges are covered with your preferred member discount. If the
lawsuit was filed because of something that occurred prior to your
membership or because of conditions that were reasonably anticipated or
foreseeable prior to your enrollment, then the lawsuit is excluded from your
Trial Defense benefit. This exclusion applies even if the lawsuit is filed
after you become a member. These lawsuits are covered with your preferred
member discount. Class actions, interventions or amicus curiae filings in
which the covered member is a party (or potential party) are excluded. Also,
this coverage does not include garnishment, attachment or any other appeal.
Your Provider Law Firm has the right to determine whether or not your claim
or defense to a matter will prevail in court or is frivolous or without
merit. This includes deciding whether or not to appeal any judgment or
decision. Your Provider Law Firm also has the right to present your claim or
defense according to their independent professional judgment. Pre-Paid Legal
will not influence or attempt to modify how your Provider Law Firm provides
their professional services.

Motor Vehicle Related Services: Benefits are available 15 days after
enrollment. Not covered are pre-existing conditions, charges related to
DUI/DWI or drug related matters, matters arising from the use of a
commercial vehicle with more than 2 axles, hit and run related charges, or
charges where the covered person is driving without a valid operator's
license.

IRS Audit Legal Services: Does not cover business tax returns, garnishment,
attachment or any other appeal, class actions, interventions or amicus
curiae filings, charges of tax fraud or income tax evasions, Trust returns,
payroll and information returns, partnerships, corporation returns or
portions thereof that are included in the member's tax returns, pre-existing
conditions - where member has been notified by the IRS prior to enrollment,
and services rendered by an enrolled agent. Coverage includes the return due
on April 15th of the first membership year.

Other Legal Services: The standard hourly rate discount for law enforcement
matters may differ from the standard hourly rate discount offered for
non-law enforcement related assistance due to the complexity and lawyer
specialization needed in law enforcement cases. A retainer may be required
before services are rendered under this benefit.

As the office manager for the New Iberia Policeman's Association, Local 152,
(www.nipoa.org), I have personal experience with PPL.

In June of 1998 the NIPA General Membership listened to a presentation by
PPL sales associates. It was impressive and sounded like it would give
police officers peace of mind -if they ever needed representation whether on
or off duty, it would be there. The presentation indicated "You need us? WE
ARE THERE!!" All you have to do is call. We'll come to you anytime,
anywhere." The membership voted YES to PPL.

We signed up 60-70 members and started paying the monthly bill. No one
needed an attorney for anything in the first 4 years.

In 2002, Murphy discovered that his law had somehow ignored our police
department for 4 years and he had some catching up to do. Then it hit the
fan.

1. A police officer and her Trooper boyfriend were vacationing in Florida.
Their motel room was burgled while they were at the beach. Her gun, badge
and $1,500 was stolen. When they reported it to the clerk they discovered
that the burglars had gone to the motel front desk saying, "I lost my key to
room xxx", and the clerk gave them another key to room xxx without asking
for ID. Local police did little more than write a report. Our officer
requested representation through PPL. She wanted to sue the motel. PPL
offered only a pittance of a percentage discount on an attorney of PPL's
choice and they would write a letter to the motel. (She never received
restitution).

2. A CID Sergeant and her subordinates were out on the town one night. They
had just enough alcohol to cause a very loud discussion. They created a
scene in the bar and the sheriff's office was called. She was fired. It
was extreme disciplinary action for an off duty occurrence. She called PPL.
She was denied representation for the disciplinary action - she was off duty
and alcohol was involved. (She remains fired).

3. A Major was suspended and demoted for the manner in which he reprimanded
a subordinate (it was a poor choice of words). The discipline was extreme.
He called PPL. He was denied representation - disciplinary action is not
covered. (He retired rather than remain on the job with a 2 rank demotion).

After more than 4 years of paying premiums, we had sent them nearly $40,000;
AND had not made one request for representation!! PPL didn't give a hoot
about helping us out when we needed it and didn't care when we said we
wanted to cancel the coverage. "OK, we'll send out the cancellation letters
to your members." *Click* [phone goes dead].

It's a doggone good thing none of the officers needed representation for a
shooting!! (Which, incidentally, happened shortly after we cancelled. A
local attorney took the case for $650 - officer cleared).